Overweight and obesity rates in schoolchildren

Researchers from seven European countries have joined forces to assess overweight and obesity rates and energy-balance related behaviour in schoolchildren throughout Europe. The research was carried out in the course of the pan-European, EU-funded project ENERGY (EuropeaN Energy balance Research to prevent excessive weight Gain among Youth). The researchers found high levels of overweight and obesity in European schoolchildren, with striking differences in overweight status and potential risk behaviours between countries. Factors that influence energy-balance related behaviour include the country of residence, parents' educational level and gender.